Geology Degree

The geology degree program at Western Illinois University will help students gain knowledge in the earth sciences, including the behavior of solids, liquids, and gases that compromise the earth, as well as the forces that act upon it. Students who graduate the geology degree program may follow a career path in paleontology, stratigraphy, geological mapping, and more. Courses include instruction in historical geology, geomorphology, and sedimentology, the chemistry of rocks and soils, mineralogy, petrology, geostatistics, volcanology, glaciology, and geophysical principles. Get more details below including other Illinois colleges that offer geology degrees.

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Western Illinois University

1431 N. Claremont, Chicago, IL

Western Illinois University provides a variety of program options for students to assist them in their growth and development. The school is located in Macomb, IL and publically funded. Around thirteen thousand students enroll at Western Illinois University per year.

A list of some of the more popular programs offered are:

• Security And Protective Services
• Liberal Arts And Sciences
• Education
• Communications And Journalism
• Biological And Biomedical Sciences

Students applying for admission are asked to submit an application, school records, test scores and any requested letters of recommendations, which will then be reviewed by the school. Most students at Western Illinois University scored in a range of 18 - 23 on the ACT. 66% of applicants are accepted to Western Illinois University, of which 31% choose to enroll.

Tuition & fees at WIU are different for in-state and nonresidents. In-state tuition costs close to $11,000 per year with out-of-state tuition costing $15,000 for the year. On-campus housing is available for students, and generally costs around $5,700 per year. Some students at Western Illinois University may qualify for financial aid, which is generally provided as scholarships, grants, and loans.

The mascot for Western Illinois University is the "Leathernecks", and they participate in intercollegiate athletic programs through the NCAA. Athletic programs available may include:

• Baseball (NCAA Division I-AA)
• Basketball (NCAA Division I-AA)
• Track & Field (NCAA Division I-AA)
• Football (NCAA Division I-AA)

Contact information, tuition information, programs, and much more may be viewed on school's website at http://www.wiu.edu.

Students Enrolled in the Geology Program

Get more details below regarding enrollment, academics, and school demographics. Western Illinois University offers a bachelor's degree program in geology.

Students by Gender (2019)

Students by Race (2019)

Source: IPEDS Survey 2012-2020: Data obtained from the US Dept. of Education's Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Data may vary depending on school and academic year.

Career Options for Graduates

Natural Sciences Managers

Description

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, natural sciences managers employment is expected to grow at a rate of 3.3% from 2014 to 2024

Salary & Wages

• Chicago-Naperville-Arlington Heights, IL Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 840
  • Average Hourly Rate: $50.94
  • Average Annual Salary: $105950
• Gary, IN Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 30
  • Average Hourly Rate: $31.61
  • Average Annual Salary: $65750
• Lake County-Kenosha County, IL-WI Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 420
  • Average Hourly Rate: $82.72
  • Average Annual Salary: $172060

Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers

Description

Study the composition, structure, and other physical aspects of the Earth. May use geological, physics, and mathematics knowledge in exploration for oil, gas, minerals, or underground water; or in waste disposal, land reclamation, or other environmental problems. May study the Earth's internal composition, atmospheres, oceans, and its magnetic, electrical, and gravitational forces. Includes mineralogists, crystallographers, paleontologists, stratigraphers, geodesists, and seismologists.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers employment is expected to grow at a rate of 10.5% from 2014 to 2024

Salary & Wages

• Chicago-Naperville-Arlington Heights, IL Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 180
  • Average Hourly Rate: $43.40
  • Average Annual Salary: $90270

Hydrologists

Description

Research the distribution, circulation, and physical properties of underground and surface waters; and study the form and intensity of precipitation, its rate of infiltration into the soil, movement through the earth, and its return to the ocean and atmosphere.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, hydrologists employment is expected to grow at a rate of 6.9% from 2014 to 2024

Salary & Wages

• Chicago-Naperville-Arlington Heights, IL Metropolitan Division
  • Total Employment: 60
  • Average Hourly Rate: $31.93
  • Average Annual Salary: $66420

Source: Job descriptions, estimated salary and wages, and projected job growth are taken from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).